Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT-S Premieres in Detroit

The sportiest to-date model of Maserati’s Quattroporte range made its worldwide debut at NAIAS. The technical changes to the new Quattroporte Sport GT S compared to the ‘S’ model concern the mapping of the V8 4.7-litre engine which now produces 433HP, the new gearshift management software, the stiffer springs and lower ride height as well as the more sonorous sport exhaust system.

The Italian firm’s designers also went ahead and made a few subtle changes to the sport sedan’s exterior and interior. These include the new black grille with concave vertical fins featuring the Trident logo with red accents, the new headlights, in metallic titanium finish, the new M-design seats with perforated Alcantara and leather upholstery and finally the “titanium colored” composite material dashboard trim.

Elite Carbon Tunes the Maserati GranTurismo

U.S.-based Elite Carbon has released details on a new tuning package it has developed for the Maserati GranTurismo which will be available from around mid-2009. Promising to improve the vehicle’s looks as well as its aerodynamics, Elite Carbon’s bodykit includes a new front bumper with exposed carbon fiber lip and brake intake surrounds, a rear deck spoiler, side skirts with exposed carbon fiber lip and lower sections, and a rear diffuser.

On top of the carbon fiber bodykit, the American firm’s tuning package for the Italian coupe also includes an array of other modifications such as the 21-inch alloy wheels wrapped around in sport tires, a sport exhaust system, high performance headers and cats, a carbon fiber interior package and an upgraded braking system.

Maserati GranTurismo S with 'MC Sport Line' Tuning Package Debuts in Bologna

Gorgeous isn’t she? And while we must admit that we’re captivated by the striking brunette model, we’re actually referring to the GranTurismo S accessorized with Maserati’s new personalization options that made its premiere at the Bologna Motor Show in Italy. Called ‘MC Sport Line’, the new customization program includes both aerodynamic and mechanical solutions that have been developed using the experience acquired on the track by the Maserati’s motor-racing Corse department. The “MC Sport Line” catalogue will be extended in the GranTurismo range and then cover the entire Maserati line-up during the course of 2009.

From early 2009, GranTurismo S customers will be able to enhance the sporty look of their vehicle’s exterior and interior as well as to improve the coupe’s driving dynamics. Aerodynamics modifications include front and rear carbon-fiber spoilers, side skirts with central panel finished in matt black and mirror housing and door handles also made from carbon fiber. The updated exterior looks are complemented by a set of glossy black 20″ wheel rims.

For the interior, Maserati’s customization program is all about carbon fiber. Options include carbon fiber door sill bearing the words “MC Sport Line”, a pedal block and kickplate machined from a solid aluminium piece, and carbon fiber trim for the door panels, dashboard and central tunnel. The steering wheel rim is also made from carbon fiber, as are the control stalks for the electro-actuated transmission.

Under the “skin”, the suspension has been lowered by 10mm and stiffened thanks to new, stiffer springs, shock absorbers and anti-roll bars while Maserati notes that the new suspension set-up is synchronized with a specific Maserati Stability Program software, allowing the driver “more freedom” to play around – if you catch our drift…

The Italian firm said that all the features listed are available either as part of the customization package, following the indications of Maserati designers; or individually, meeting the personal tastes and needs of each customer.

Maserati GranTurismo S High-Res Image Gallery / Wallpapers

Unless you’re a Pontiac Aztec fan, we don’t believe than anyone will disagree with us when we say that the Pininfarina designed Maserati GranTurismo is one of the most beautiful GTs in the market today. It’s even more sensual in the ‘S’ guise which adds a more powerful 440Hp 4.7 V8 engine and various other mechanical and aesthetic upgrades to the mix. Enjoy the 28 high-res images we added after the jump and why not, pick one to decorate your desktop.

Maserati Quattroporte Bellagio Fastback To Be Produced in Limited Series

If “Carozzeria Touring Superleggera’s” prime objective was to impress us with the two unique vehicles that they presented at the Concorso d’Eleganza classic car show, then we’re obliged to say that they succeeded. Like the A8CGS Berlinetta Coupe (click here), the Bellagio Fastback Touring is based on a series Maserati and in particular, the Quattroporte Sedan.

The Italian coachbuilder’s design team did a wonderful job in turning the Quattroporte sedan into fastback/station-wagon hybrid. And while the Bellagio retains the same exact exterior dimensions as the sedan, it’s more practical and it also boasts an additional 50 liters of trunk space at 500lt (sedan’s 450lt) which can be boosted to 1,500lt if you drop down the folding rear seats. 

Moreover, the transformation of the Quattroporte into a fastback did not have any serious impact on the overall weight as according to Carozzeria Touring, the Fastback weighs a mere 50 kg / 110 lbs more than the sedan.

Equipped with the same 400 Hp 4.2-liter V8 engine as the sedan, the Bellagio Fastback Touring manages to go from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.2 sec and on to a top speed of 275 km/h or 171 mph – same exact figures as the Quattroporte sedan.

So it’s beautiful, practical and fast, but will they build it? Yes, Carozzeria Touring officially announced that the Bellagio Fastback Touring will be produced in a limited edition run. Customers will be able to further personalize the Bellagio with different colours, interiors, materials and extras. According to the Italian coachbuilder “prices will be identical or even lower than equivalent sportscars” – whatever that means…

Maserati MC12 Sets New Nurburgring Lap Record at 7:24.29

Continuing the never-ending ‘I’m faster than you’ game, Maserati has announced that its Ferrari Enzo-derived MC12 supercar has set a new production car record on the Nurburgring race track as it managed to lap the 12.8 mile long circuit in just 7:24.29.

What’s more intriguing however is the fact that the Maserati MC12 belongs to one lucky son of a gun who also owns -get this- a Ferrari Enzo, a Koenigsegg CCX, a Pagani Zonda F Clubsport and a Porsche Carrera GT. The unnamed owner brought all five supercars to the ‘Ring to have them tested by American Le Mans Series racer Marc Basseng while EVO magazine was on hand to record the results.

Despite being the most powerful supercar of the bunch, the 901HP Koenigsegg CCX finished last in this high-end comparo completing a full lap in 7:33.6. Next up was the Porsche Carrera GT, with the lap in 7:28.71 while third quickest was the Enzo Ferrari, with an impressive 7:25.21. The Pagani Zonda F Roadster finished second with a lap time of just 7:24.65.

Just to set things straight, we must note that the brutal 2009 Dodge Viper ACR holds the unofficial production car record on the famed German race track as according to Motortrend, on August 18, 2008, FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) driver Tom Coronel managed to turn the ‘Ring in his fourth attempt in a remarkable 7:22.10 -see details here. Oddly enough, Dodge has yet to release an official statement on the Viper ACR’s awesome accomplishment.

Maserati GranTurismo MC Concept: Wallpapers, Official Brochure

Following up on our previous article on the Maserati GranTurismo MC, we’ve got our hands on a full set of high-resolution images, the official brochure and to top it off, a short video of the concept undergoing testing at the Monza circuit in Italy. The MC Concept is essentially a track-ready version of the GranTurismo S featuring an upgraded 450HP V8 engine, race-spec suspension and brakes, slick tires with 18-inch lightweight alloys and an aerodynamic package that includes a new front splitter, a boot spoiler and rear diffuser. -Continued

Inside the GranTurismo S has been stripped to bare metal gaining a FIA-approved rollcage, bucket seats and a racing steering wheel. The Italian firm hasn’t announced any plans to produce the concept but we have a hunch that the GranTurismo MC will be available for track-lovers in the very near future.

Video Via: Autoblog.it

Maserati GranTurismo MC Corse

A series of photos depicting the GranTurismo MC Corse, a competition model destined for use on the tarmac, appeared on the web today. There’s no official information but according to our fellow Autobloggers, the stripped out MC Corse is equipped with a revised version of the GranTurismo S’ 430 HP V8 engine featuring a sport exhaust system with competition-spec catalytic converters and a new intake system that help boost output to 450 HP. Other modifications include an aero kit, 18-inch lightweight alloys, upgraded suspension and brake components and a FIA-approved rollcage. While we’re waiting for an official announcement, hit the jump to check out the image gallery. -

Classic Maserati Models at Goodwood Revival Meeting

Maserati made a strong presence at the Goodwood Revival meeting in England this past weekend with a total of 13 classic cars including two 4CMs and two Tipo 61 Birdcages taking part in the classic race. Away from the track, the famous Italian marque exhibited a selection of both modern and classic Maseratis with the highlight being a display of all its Quattroporte models from the very first Quattroporte of the 1960’s and the exceptionally rare Quattroporte II of the 1970s, of which only 12 were ever built, to the more modern Quattroporte IV and the latest 2009 Quattroporte S.